Social Services Manager - Social Work

Travis County•Austin, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Travis County Health and Human Services serves the community under the guidance of the Commissioners Court by addressing community needs through investments and services. The department works to improve quality of life in Travis County by protecting vulnerable populations, supporting social and economic well-being, building a shared understanding of the community, and promoting healthy physical, behavioral, and environmental living. The Social Services Manager manages the day-to-day and overall operations of a social services department, work unit, or program made up of multiple operational components and related staff. The role performs managerial, consultative, technical, and administrative work in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating departmental goals and objectives. If assigned to the Juvenile Probation Department, the position may involve direct supervision of youth in secure facilities and may require a flexible schedule to meet departmental needs. This classification manages social services operations and is distinguished from the Social Services Program Administrator, who directs a large department or a broad-based series of multiple funded programs with broader responsibility, more complex budgets, and larger staffs. Employees may be assigned to business continuity efforts outside their normal job functions. Criminal, driving, education, and employment background checks are required. The job description is generic and duties, responsibilities, and overtime eligibility may vary with assigned tasks.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field and five years of increasingly responsible experience in social services, including one year of supervisory or management experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the duties and responsibilities.
One of the following credentials: Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) or Qualified Credentialed Counselor (QCC).
One of the following licenses: Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
If assigned to Juvenile Probation, certification as a Juvenile Probation Officer and Juvenile Supervision Officer, or eligibility for certification by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department within six months of employment, including successful completion of CPR certification, First Aid, and Handle with Care (state-approved physical restraint technique).
Knowledge of management and supervisory principles, practices, and techniques; policies and procedures in the area of assignment; applicable federal, state, and local program laws and requirements; advocacy groups, service providers, and community outreach organizations; budget practices; modern office practices and methods; computer equipment and software; and business writing and report preparation.
Ability to plan, develop, monitor, and evaluate social service programs; supervise staff, allocate resources, and evaluate programs; provide leadership and collaborate with the community; solve problems and make decisions; use modern office equipment including computers; communicate verbally and in writing, including making presentations; motivate, train, supervise, develop, and evaluate staff; serve as a technical consultant and liaison; create and recommend initiatives; prepare administrative and statistical reports; work independently; manage time and multiple tasks; and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to deal effectively with people experiencing mental illness or acute emotional distress, including people who may be hostile or aggressive.
Physical ability to lift or carry up to 25 pounds occasionally, or 50–100 pounds if assigned to Juvenile Probation; visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity needed to operate computers and office equipment.
The position may require standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, driving, client or customer contact, and squatting.
May be required to learn and comply with federal and state laws requiring confidential handling of certain health information.

Nice To Haves

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Master’s degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field.

Responsibilities

Direct and manage the planning and operations of a social services department, work unit, or program.
Oversee subordinate managers and staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, and disciplinary actions, and ensure activities comply with applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations, goals, and objectives.
Plan, develop, and establish goals and objectives; participate in or develop strategic plans to achieve them.
Manage service delivery and program operations, organize procedures, set priorities, monitor activities and assignments, and resolve problems.
Provide staff with technical advice, policy interpretation, and guidance on appropriate procedures.
Evaluate program effectiveness, devise evaluation methodologies, oversee their implementation, analyze results, and recommend or take appropriate action.
Develop, oversee, and evaluate new and existing services and initiatives for implementation.
Assist with or develop the assigned area's budget; administer the budget and approve or recommend expenditures within established limits; may prepare funding or continuation proposals.
Serve as a liaison and collaborate with governmental and public agency representatives, community outreach and advocacy groups, service providers, and others.
Plan, develop, and manage community development and community organizing activities; identify and address service gaps and barriers and stimulate interest in departmental programs and services.
Develop and participate in education and training for clients and the community, and make presentations about departmental programs and services.
Prepare periodic reports, financial analyses, and statistical reports on program activities and progress.
If assigned to Juvenile Probation, supervise clients’ daily activities in secure facilities, maintain client and equipment accountability, and help ensure a safe, clean, and secure environment.
If assigned to Juvenile Probation, explain client responsibilities and appropriate behavior; implement corrective discipline plans and programs as required; facilitate cognitive skill groups and relaxation training; provide individual and crisis intervention counseling as required; document client behavior in the department information system; monitor security and fire alarm systems, including closed-circuit monitors; communicate with facility posts and staff to support continuity of care; physically restrain aggressive clients using approved protocols as required; and assist with incident investigations as needed.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.